notebookman

No DRM

Software submitted by fgarpe 02/26/07

Don't put DRM hardware or software in any

http://defectivebydesign.org/
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesti%C3%B3n_de_derechos_digitales
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Rights_Management 8 Comments »

All-in-one Recovery CDs and Out of Box experience

Sales Strategies, Service and Support, Software submitted by khalbrae 03/03/07

Imagine if you will, an OEM DVD containing Windows Vista, Linux or any other OS Dell should happen to support. Typically, said discs are single layer DVDs that are capable of holding 4.2GB of data. Windows Vista only tends to take 3.6 GB That saves roughly 800MB that could be used. The typical Drivers and utilities discs don't even hold NEAR thier capacity. If the remaining space on the Vista DVD were used to contain the drivers and utilities (drivers along with any system software, quickset for notebooks, the express service code program, ect). On top of that, a second DVD should probably be included with the basic pre-installed applications (sonic, powerDVD, ect... which are moot for Vista due to built-in burning capabilities regardless and could probably get the axe for all but Home Basic PCs as they probably cost the company money but *shrug*). Having one OS disc per computer model with all potential drivers for that computer model is FAR more efficient than having to switch discs and much less confusing for customers.

Microsoft should be paying Dell to install MSWorks instead of OpenOffice rather than the other way around, Dell doesn't owe Microsoft anything if it means saving the customer money.

Another thing, customer need to have service tag stickers on thier PCs in bright colours and large text. Elderly persons in particular (a family member of mine for example, no names) have difficulty locating them. They also need to be in uniform places on desktop PCs as they are in notebooks rather than the left or right side, front under a bezel, on top or the back. This will decrease tension by a lot. expecially when people dial in to the robot lady (support number) and have to locate thier express service codes.

On a final note, as part of the out of box experience, I have 3 points to make:

Customers need to have some sort of documentation instructing them to extend thier warranty if needed (if they got the computer as a gift, chances are only the minimum year is chosen and people tend to blame Dell if they make the mistake of not ensuring they are covered... DON'T give them the CHANCE to blame Dell for thier own faults!)

To ensure they have it written out clearly that they need to check and make sure they have all of thier CDS and that they are responsible for informing us about missing media, once again, written in big letters (not just hidden in some obscure EULA, a customer needs to KNOW they are responsible for missing CDs if they do not call within a certain time. This will not make it seem devious and cause them to explode when informed so by tech support later on, especially if they have been out of warranty for a year).

To set clear expectations that Dell and Microsoft cannot simply teach somebody everything to a customer about thier products for free. Such support is expensive to a company (rumour is that it costs a call center 60+$ just to have somebody pick up a phone and much more once you factor in wages. Talk about the benefits of Dell on Call (they can and will teach somebody the inner workings and features of the operating system) or various fee based online training courses offered by Microsoft. make sure it is highlighted in BIG, BOLD, ITALICIZED, UNDERLINED letters that thier hardware warranty covers only the physical side of the computer (RAM, motherboard, the most expensive parts) and the BASIC operating system (if it boots, the hardware is okay and the drivers are okay, it's beyond that). People need to KNOW this. So that people don't explode when they are informed that they have to pay, as it's certainly not Dell fault for them having surfed on Randolph's goat world, (made up website, but an example)downloading on P2P programs or downloading "too good to be true" programs (free screensavers from untrustworthy websites, entering "free xbox/ps3" sweepstakes, downloading from "warez", "abandonware" and free MP3 sites) and getting Spyware up the wazoo.

It boils down to this:

All in one resource CDs with OS and Drivers included in one and system specific.

Educate the customer so that they cannot blame Dell for not looking after thier own selves.

You'll get a lot less grief in the end if you just simplify everything and say it up front with no legal-eze hiding the truth in tiny letters that people can't read. Beuracracy tend to border on deception and that is not cool. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

This is a GREAT company and I want to see it thrive. Regain the #1 spot! I know Dell can do it.

P.S. Currently loving my Insporin 6400, but disappointed at the lack of all the applications being sent on disc (and a WinXP computer actually does need some of that software)... not angry but just another reason to put said papers and have the company take initiative over these type of issues ;) 1 Comment »

Update video (and other) drivers for laptops throughout warranty period

Service and Support, Software submitted by bob2007 03/16/07

Video cards that are built into laptops are frequently left behind in driver updates. Drivers for laptops that are still under warranty are typically never updated or updated only in the first year they are released. Video card/chip manufacturers frequently update the "core" drivers for their video chipsets. With most laptops using slightly modified versions of these chipsets, it should be quite simple to update these drivers more often. These driver updates could significantly boost the performance of these laptops. I can understand that you would not want to support 4 year old chips that are past their warranty, but those of us that paid extra for 3 or 4 years of gold support should get a machine that has drivers that are updated regularly during the warranty period. This also applies to other device drivers that should be updated. Comment »

Choice of having XP or Vista

Operating Systems, Sales Strategies submitted by jesseberk 05/23/07

I think now that there is an option to have either Windows Vista or Windows XP installed on your machine; it should be open to not just American industry but Worldwide. I would like to have a choice in buying my OS. Especially when I am not from America. Everyone meaning worldwide customers should have that choice also. 2 Comments »

Dell sell computers totally bare

Software submitted by oagostinho 05/29/07

Why not sell computers without any kind of software! Totally Empty! In that way, I will install my software, in a totally fashion way! Oriented with my necessities! and tastes! See Ya! Orlando Agostinho, Computer Engineer, Lisbon/Portugal 3 Comments »

No pre-installed software!

Operating Systems, Software submitted by power3d 06/04/07

It would be good if we could buy the hardware only without any kind of software.
I am not excluding optional software (windows or Linux), but it would be good if we also had the option NO PRE-INSTALLED SOFTWARE. 4 Comments »

Dell move the hidden recovery partition app zztop to BIOS so users cannot delete it.

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops submitted by jorge 06/15/07

Dell move the hidden partition app zztop to a BIOS controlled feature so users can not accidentally remove it from their computers. This will aide in the recovery process for the Phone Support people and keep your vested interest on the computer long after.

I know zztop has been removed from some installs but by moving it to BIOS (with some extra flash type memory for it) it can reside for ever keeping that restore feature available.

Start Jul. 2nd: provided by florida web site design 16 Comments »

Dell should offer option to remove VISTA - Blank disk is better than with VISTA preloaded

Sales Strategies, Software submitted by makuchaku 06/20/07 **ALREADY OFFERED**

Dell should offer an option of removing the default OS - Vista/XP when a user is configuring his order on DELL's website.

Apart from saving a few crutial $$, this is needed when a user already has a licensed copy of the OS.

:-)

Maku

http://www.makuchaku.info/blog 8 Comments »

Ship Computer with blank HDD software as an option

Sales Strategies, Software submitted by nathan42100 06/21/07

I think there should be an option so that you can order your pc as normal but as an option for customization, it comes to you blank with the install CDs separate for the same or slightly reduced cost (like $10 for labor to install). This would allow for more customized experiences with the Dell, especially if you order more than one OS to come with it, such as Ubuntu and XP (never vista, wait till 2009 for the next vista SP release) so users can customize their dual-boot. 2 Comments »

CD/DVD Writing software choices?

Software submitted by psychomp3 08/06/07

It would be great if Dell would offer other CD/DVD writing softwares, such as Nero or other applications. Rather than bundling Roxio/Sonic software without including the disc with the Dell computer causing issues. If Dell would include such software should and must include software support for the length of the warranty on the Dell system, to give customer's more satisfaction rather than asking to purchase an additional warranty/policy to get support for software, If Dell is offerring the software support, why not incldue it with all the Dell systems. 8 Comments »

Dell Web Site should be 100% W3C compliant

Dell Web Site submitted by yesmathew 08/12/07

Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international consortium where Member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards. W3C's mission is:

To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.

W3C primarily pursues its mission through the creation of Web standards and guidelines. Since 1994, W3C has published more than ninety such standards, called
W3C Recommendations.

As Dell hardwares are OS independent, Dell Web Site should be 100% W3C compliant. To validate your site please proceed to http://validator.w3.org/ and make it 100% compliant. Also consider validating your CSS style sheet at http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/

Other important references:
- W3C Q&A Blog: http://www.w3.org/QA/
- The Web Standards Project: http://www.webstandards.org/

28 Comments »

Automate BIOS, Driver, Firmware Update for ALL systems

Accessories (Keyboards, etc.) submitted by phubert 09/17/07 **REVIEWED**

**
I thought I'd already posted something like this...
*
Dell already has an ISO available for servers that will scan a range of Dell servers and update BIOS, firmware (e.g. PERC RAID controllers), and drivers in a single reboot.

I don't know whether Dell has this for Linux as well.

However, let me suggest this could also be done via an ONLINE -scan- of the system similar to Microsoft Update ... only for ALL OSes Dell sells and for all _systems_, servers, desktops, workstations, and notebooks!


Please see matt_d's comments
13 Comments »

Automatically Check For Dell Driver Updates

Software submitted by mabeaver 09/27/07

Write some software which automatically checks your system and offers you the latest drivers, bios & utilities.

This would save a lot of time and effort for companies who do not use the Dells default installation image.

IBM have some software to do this and it works very well. 6 Comments »

software cds!

Sales Strategies, Software submitted by edwourdo 12/13/07

I think when I buy a new device rather my computer taking the crap from the software cds it comes with the drivers and software should be built into the device, so were ever you go you can use your device know matter what it is. And it should have the ability to either install a minimum gui operator for if the device needs one for like maintaining the media on it or something. Or it should use a more advanced version of u3 software to just pop up and show you whats going on. That way you don't have to install any iffy software you might not want. 1 Comment »

Single Update Packages for Client Products

Software submitted by fxmulder 12/16/07

I've today reinstalled VISTA on my inspiron PC. And then spent a good 30 minutes to install all different drivers, applications as listed on the relative support page.

Why can't you provide a single package a-la-service-pack that would upgarde everything on the PC ? Each time there is a new version of driveryou may update this package with a further release. Individual drivers may still be provided if people need them. I think that technology wise you have the capability as you do exact this on your enterprise products . So it's perhaps just that you have not hought about millions of consumers that have no understanding of the internals of a system

Make IT easy ! Comment »

Let Us Build A PC Without Microsoft Works or Office!

Software submitted by aikiwolfie 12/22/07

Dell I have absolutely no need for Microsoft Works 8.0. Especially on a PC designed for multimedia entertainment! Please give me the option of having a PC without any office software at all.

Please SIMPLIFY MY IT experience by giving me the opportunity to avoid the uninstall process. 26 Comments »

CD ISO file for the reinstallation CD for Windows XP and Windows Vista on the download web site.

Software submitted by helmecj01 Jan 19

Dell can have a CD ISO file for the reinstallation CD for Windows XP and Windows Vista on the download web site.

Included Microsoft hotfix and updates 6 Comments »

LiP-Primary-Batterys for Latitude-D-Series

Latitude products, Precision Workstations, Laptop Power submitted by x-stars 02/26/07

A few month ago I got a new 9-Cell-Primary-LiIon-Battery for my D620 because the old one had a wear-level above 10% just a few month after purchasing without even using it very much. Now I looked and found the replaced unit @4% wear-level, thats more than 5Wh. My DBay-Battery (LiP-technology) does not have any capacity-issues and is nearly an year old.

So please, Dell, try to design a Primary-Battery for the Latitude/Precision-Notebooks using the LiP-technology instead of LiIon. Even if the capacity is a little lower, it helps me, my purse, your technicans @support and is better for the environment.

Regards, Michael from Germany Comment »

Put some attitude into the Latitude

Advertising and Marketing, Latitude products, Laptops submitted by jervis961 05/04/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**

Dell needs a new Latitude model for people who need a stylish notebook for work but want it to be capable of play activities also. It should have a LED back lit 13.3 inch high resolution/contrast ratio trans reflective screen that swivels like a tablet but without the touch screen (touchscreen could be an upgrade). The option of a non-glossy screen would be available.


Media buttons on the monitor would be helpful for times when the screen is turned around and wouldn't be accidentally pushed when resting the notebook on your lap. A good example would be when you're on a plane watching a movie, the notebook would fit better in this configuration allowing you to see the screen easier.

Dell should use a design like in this leaked photo of an upcoming ultraportable.



It needs to have options like Dual core processor (Quad core when available for mobile), DVD burner, fingerprint reader, SSD, 5-1 card reader(with a cover so the card doesn't fall out), HDMI, Dolby Certified sound as well as a video card that is DX10 with at least 256mb of RAM(perhaps use cards from the Precision line for things like video editing) . It needs to be dual hard drive capable, 2 headphone jacks, built in microphone and the option of a built in camera 2MP or better. A WiFi hot spot finder would be helpful. Don't forget the docking port and gigabit Ethernet. Please, Please, Please do not skimp on bandwidth, only the newest technology please.

A LED light that can illuminate the keyboard in dark rooms and media connect must be standard. I would actually recommend using a black light over the keyboard as the white letters would pop without using a very bright light.



Vista Sideshow could be an option as well. At least a small monochrome screen with basic information so you don't have to power up the system.



I think there would be a large market for this type of system.

The advertising would be a great boost to Dell's image. Showing how your "new L-attitude" has changed your life. I've always looked at the Apple VS PC ads and wondered why can't I have both. I think Dell can supply the notebook that finally brings work and play together in a stylish but professional looking package.

What other options do you think should be added?


Please see Vida_K's comment below
58 Comments »

Ubuntu on the Latitude D630

Latitude products, Linux submitted by jmxz 05/24/07

Based on advice from dell_admin1 in this thread: http://ideastorm.com/article/show/67329 who writes

Re: no OS on other models - you might want to pick a model you'd want to see added to Dell's n-series, and then post an idea specifically saying that. (unless you already have) Just a thought.

it sounds like Dell is suggesting it's useful to submit IdeaStorm ideas on specific models.

But dell_admin1: no, I don't really want the D630 "added to the n-series", where it seems computers often cost more for the same hardware - I want Ubuntu as a choice on the standard D630 which seems to have excellent price/value right now. 1 Comment »